Cheap Shipping Containers: What Sellers Don’t Want You to Know

Cheap shipping containers cost as little as $350 per unit, but sellers rarely share this pricing openly. We found that vendors advertise 20ft containers at $2,500, yet these same containers cost just $950 in Chicago, Houston, and Vancouver.

Used 40ft shipping containers are available for $700 in Moscow and $900 in Vancouver. The search for the cheapest shipping containers becomes easier from November to February as international shipping slows down. Local availability of cheap containers varies by region, but knowing current market conditions helps avoid overpaying by thousands. It also helps to buy multiple units because volume discounts can lower the costs.

Why cheap shipping containers are hard to find

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“Decoding the factors influencing shipping container pricing involves scrutinizing more than the sticker cost: your strategic approach must consider the fluctuating variables like freight rates, seasonality, and the supply and demand curve.” — Giant Lockbox, Shipping container solutions provider

Buyers in 2024 still struggle to find cheap shipping containers. Multiple pressures in the global shipping industry affect container prices and availability.

The COVID-19 pandemic created havoc in container logistics. Trade dropped sharply in the early months. This disrupted the normal flow of shipping containers. Trade recovery led to severe shortages in key locations. Container prices shot up by thousands of dollars in short periods.

You’ll find huge differences in container availability across regions. Asia faces the biggest problems right now. Major Chinese ports can’t get enough 40ft and 20ft containers. Companies struggle to move empty containers fast enough to high-volume areas.

Ports worldwide face mounting challenges. Ships now wait 43% longer to dock at busy ports compared to last year, according to recent data. Staff shortages hit terminal workers and truck drivers hard. This creates delays and limits how many containers ports can handle.

Container condition drives the price. The market splits used containers into these grades:

• “One-trip” or nearly new containers cost the most
• Cargo-worthy containers work for international shipping
• Wind and watertight containers serve storage needs only
• “As-is” containers need repairs

Your location affects container costs big time. A supplier might offer great rates, but delivery expenses need careful thought. Sometimes you’ll pay more to deliver the container than its actual cost.

Timing matters because of seasonal changes. Prices usually jump between July and December. Holiday season merchandise drives this surge. Looking for better deals? Stick to trusted dealers like FT Shipping Containers. Avoid marketplace platforms where scammers post unrealistic prices.

Market experts see the supply-demand gap pushing prices higher. They expect prices to stabilize gradually. Anyone looking for affordable containers needs to understand these factors.

What sellers don’t want you to know

The container industry has several insider secrets that push prices up artificially. Container vendors take advantage of buyers who don’t know real market values through their pricing strategy.

Dealers usually mark up prices by 30-100% above wholesale rates based on your location and market conditions. They keep separate prices for different customers – commercial buyers get better deals while one-time purchasers pay premium rates.

The industry’s condition grading system lacks any standard approach. A container rated “Grade A” by one seller might get a “Grade B” label from another. Buyers often end up paying too much because this inconsistency creates confusion.

Dealers hold back information about extra containers coming in. They know the shipping schedules and when local ports will have too many containers – this knowledge could help you get much better prices.

Many sellers claim their containers are “one-trip” units, but this label often misleads buyers. These containers have usually made several trips before sale. They still charge premium prices based on this questionable label.

Prices change with seasons, which creates a chance to save money that dealers won’t tell you about. November through February gives you the best prices, but sellers quote peak-season rates whenever you ask.

Good discounts exist for buying multiple containers, but dealers rarely advertise this. You can get price cuts even on small orders of 2-3 containers if you ask specifically.

Delivery costs often include hidden charges. Moving containers costs a lot, but dealers add extra fees on top. You should get quotes from independent trucking companies to avoid overpaying.

FT Shipping Containers (ftshippingcontainers.com) offers transparent pricing on new and used units. Their honest approach can save you thousands compared to other vendors who hide their real prices.

How to actually find cheap shipping containers

“Being flexible with shipment dates or routes may allow you to take advantage of carrier’s available capacity at lower rates.” — SeaRates, Leading global logistics platform and shipping service provider

Let me share some practical ways to find cheap shipping containers without breaking the bank, now that you know about market challenges and seller tactics.

Timing your purchase strategically can save you real money. The best time to shop is between November and February right after the holiday rush when international shipping slows down. Container depots get packed with empty containers during these months and usually cut prices to free up space.

You’ll find great deals during holiday sales too. Keep an eye out for deals during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s when suppliers need to boost their sales and clear their yards.

Buying in bulk can slash your costs substantially. Companies like Container Sales Group have tiered discounts:

• 2-4 containers: $50 off each container
• 5-9 containers: $100 off each container
• 10+ containers: $150 off each container

YES Containers has a similar setup with $100 off per unit for 3+ containers and $150 off per unit for 10+ containers. So even if you need just 2-3 containers, it’s worth asking about bulk pricing to save some cash.

Container marketplaces like Container xChange might be your best bet. They connect you with over 30,000 containers from 200+ sellers across 500 US locations. The platform guarantees wholesale prices with money back and cuts out international banking fees.

Your container’s condition plays a big role in pricing. “Used” containers (usually 10-20 years old) give you the most bang for your buck if you need storage. These units work great for most uses, even with a few dents and scratches.

Price matching ended up being the best way to negotiate. Companies like Container One back their competitive rates with price matching guarantees.

Check out ftshippingcontainers.com to find quality new and used shipping containers at fair prices without the markup other dealers charge.

Conclusion

Learning about container pricing reveals one clear fact: market knowledge gives you a strong advantage when you shop for shipping containers. You can now use previously hidden details about pricing cycles, condition grading tricks, and regional availability to your benefit rather than the seller’s advantage.

Without doubt, smart timing remains your best ally to find affordable containers. You can save thousands by shopping from November through February instead of during peak season. Your understanding of volume discounts, even for small purchases, helps you keep more money.

Market challenges like port congestion and regional shortages haven’t stopped great deals from appearing to smart buyers. Many sellers try to hide true market values, but you now have the knowledge to negotiate well and stay clear of common pricing traps.

Our research shows FT Shipping Containers as a transparent dealer with fair prices on both new and used containers. They avoid the markup practices that other competitors commonly use. Smart buyers should compare prices from multiple vendors and ask for price matching before making their final purchase.

The cheapest container might not give you the best value – your specific needs, condition, and delivery costs matter too. The strategies shared in this piece will help you find affordable shipping containers while avoiding industry pricing tactics that typically keep costs high for regular buyers.

FAQs

Q1. What should I consider before buying a shipping container? When purchasing a shipping container, consider the size you need, the condition (new vs. used), door configurations, and intended use (storage, housing, or business). Also, research pricing in your area and factor in delivery costs, which can significantly impact the total expense.

Q2. How much does a typical 20-foot shipping container cost? Prices for 20-foot shipping containers can vary widely depending on condition and location. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for a new container, while used containers may be available for less. However, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Q3. Why are cheap shipping containers hard to find? Cheap shipping containers are difficult to find due to high demand, limited local supply, and fluctuating market conditions. Additionally, container prices are affected by global trade patterns, seasonal demands, and the container’s condition and age.

Q4. What are some tactics sellers use to inflate container prices? Sellers often mark up prices through brokers, sell old containers as “cargo-worthy,” inflate delivery fees, and use misleading or outdated listings. Some may also withhold information about upcoming container surpluses that could lead to better deals for buyers.

Q5. How can I find the best deals on shipping containers? To find the best deals, shop during off-peak seasons (November to February), consider volume discounts even for small purchases, compare prices across multiple vendors, and look into reputable online marketplaces. Also, be prepared to negotiate and ask about price matching with competitors.